Day at Bradford on Avon

Today I started by taking the dogs for a run in the morning as I am catching the train around 11:30 and plan to be gone for most of the day.  Just before I leave for the train I check the schedule and it looks like my train might not be stopping at Bradford on Avon due to staffing issues!  I decide to go to the platform anyhow to see what alternatives there are.  When the train arrives it seems that the problem has been solved and I am good to go.  I arrive at Bradford on Avon around noon.

It’s a short walk into town.  This town is so old and entirely made of stone.  The Romans, Saxons, Norman’s, Georgians and Victorians have all left their mark.  The jewel of Wiltshire.

The River Avon runs through town.

Very picturesque!

The Saxon Church

This short street is called The Shambles.  It was the only street that had timber framed houses.

Incredibly old!

So pretty.  This bridge was originally built in the 13th century.  The small building on the bridge was first used as a chapel and later the town lock up. 

Trinity Church

The Rolls parked outside Trinity Church.  There was a wedding taking place when I went by so no luck with seeing inside the church.  What a beautiful car!  I saw the bride earlier when they drove through town to the church.

I follow a path at the end of Church Street that takes me to St. Mary Tory where they say you can see the whole town.

And yes you can.  The hike up was worth it as the view is quite something. 

Look at this house...the roof was what drew my attention.  It’s amazing how old everything is but still seems to be working!

And this old building looks like it’s about to cave in but it will probably be here for hundreds of years.

I then went to a Spanish coffee shop...ordered a nice cold beer and Queso Español.  I felt like it was meant to be as I have just secured two more housesits in Spain!

There was a celebration going on right in front of my table.  Time to leave and catch my train home.

Ran in to a snag on the way home too.  When I got to Westbury I had to transfer to another train that would drop me in Dilton Marsh but that train was not going anywhere as they were short a conductor.  The fellows at the train station were so nice.  I was invited into the control station (looked like air traffic control but on the rails) and told they would call a taxi for me. And pay for it!  What service.!  The fellow took me downstairs and waited for the taxi.  I was driven home!  Saved me £10. Such nice men these railway guys!

Since I was home earlier than anticipated I took the dogs for another walk and then made dinner.  End of another great day!

A trip to Frome

On Thursday I woke to rain.  This was in the forecast so not a surprise.  Leisurely morning and then when the rain stopped I ventured out.  My intention was to catch the bus to a village called Frome but when the bus arrived the driver stated he wasn’t going to go to Frome but in an hour he would be back and would go to Frome then?  Go figure.  I decide to postpone the trip until Friday and start early in the day.  I head back home to take the dogs for a run.

These guys are in the field across from the house.

On Friday I start my journey in the direction of Westbury.  Frome is on a different line.

I change trains at Westbury.

And arrive at Frome a short time later.  All in all it takes approx. half hour.

Frome was a centre for the cloth industry.  It was particularly famous for a blue fabric which was used for the uniforms of Napoleon’s Army.

Quite the display of hanging baskets on this hotel.

Market Place in the heart of town 

I start at the Black Swan where there is a visitor’s centre, cafe and art shop.  I get some information of the history and a map to follow.  After a coffee and a magnificent piece of cake I head off to discover the town.

This building was originally used for cattle auctions.

The river Frome runs through town.

Beautiful walks through the trees along the river.

One of the oldest public houses the Blue Boar.

Church of St. John

Just love the doors!

This is called Cheap Street.  Lots of shops but notice the break in the pavement under the sandwich signs?  This is what is referred to as a stream...there is fresh water running down this “ditch”.  I’m sure back in the day you dumped your waste in this opening and it was washed down to the river.

Catherine’s Hill.  More lovely shops.  Getting quite the work out walking through this town.

Cockey lamp post.  In the late 17th century a bell foundry was set up and this firm lasted 300 years.  In the early 19th century they branched into cast iron and were one of the leading producers of gas lamps.  This is an example of one of the lamps produced.

Christ Church

Currently the School of Dancing which was built in 1857 as the town’s police station

Trinity Church which was built in 1838 after Trinity Street was built between 1718 and 1722 to house the exploding population.  It was my last stop before heading back to Dilton Marsh.  Stopped at Mark’s and Spencer’s (love that store) for coffee (tired of drinking instant) and creme brûlée which is my favourite whenever in Europe.  After climbing all those hills I’m hoping I can accommodate a few calories!

First day in Dilton Marsh

Had a great sleep and hopefully an end to my jet lag.  The dogs are so good.  Not a peep out of them all night!

After having a light breakfast I set out to explore and see where I can catch the local bus and train.  It’s warm and windy today.  Lovely!

The road I am living on.

This is a great facility for children with disabilities. They have a little cafe and store.  Great place for a latte and also afternoon tea.  Today I had the latte...perhaps afternoon tea tomorrow!

Then I continue up the road...

Lovely old church..

If my hair needs a trim there’s a hairdresser...and also a highly recommended fish and chip store.  I’ll have to check that out for dinner one night.

And at the end of the road is the only pub called The Prince of Wales and I will be checking this out for a cold pint and some dinner..as per the sign they have a Sunday roast which is always good value.

I head toward Westbury to pick up a few groceries...



And then back home after getting some groceries from the local Tesco.  I took the dogs for their run and all went well!  They didn’t escape and we made it back home. Look at these two...aren’t they gorgeous?

Stay tuned to find out where I chose to dine out!

And I’m off on my next adventure...

It’s August 13th at 6 am when Sue picks me up to take me to the airport.  I love Vancouver Airport.  It really is a beautiful airport.

My flight is at 9 am.  I’m going via Montreal and flying Air Canada.  The plane is full and it’s 4 hours 45 mins. to Montreal.  I’ve got a 3 hour layover since the plane I’m taking to London was late arriving in Montreal.  Yuck! 

This  made me a little late arriving in London so I took the Heathrow Express from the airport to Piccadilly (25£) and then the tube to Waterloo Station where I caught my train to Westbury.  Didn’t want to spend the 25£ but with rush hour I would have missed the train to Westbury.  I’ll never take the tube during rush hour again especially with a suitcase.  We were all crammed in there and no one was too impressed with my large suitcase and back pack!  Not fun.

Anyhow I made it to Westbury and Tommy was waiting for me.  It’s a short drive to Dilton Marsh which is a cute village that needs to be explored.  That’s where Tommy, Abby and Heidi live with their two spaniels Tilley and Bilbo.  What a lovely family and home.  Tommy gives me a crash course on the dogs and house and then we take the dogs to a nearby field for a run off leash.  I’d better take lots of treats tomorrow whe I do this on my own so that the dogs don’t take off on me.

Tommy and Abby are ready to leave. They are going to Italy (Genoa) for a week with Abby’s parents.  Heidi is only 11 weeks old so having grandpa and grandma along will definitely give Tommy and Abby a break!

I’ve unpacked and am trying to stay awake.  I hate this and can’t wait until I can go to bed.  I’ll start exploring tomorrow.